To celebrate Deaf Awareness Week (May 5th-11th 2003) the University of Wolverhampton has boosted its investment in an invaluable fire safety device for Deaf students - making it the UK's top university for Deaf safety.
The University's Facilities Department, in conjunction with Deaf Alerter plc, is providing hi-tech Deaf Alerter radio-based equipment which warns the Alerter wearer of a fire alarm in any of the linked university buildings - whether the person is in that building or just about to enter.
As nighttime presents the greatest risk, bedside units called 'Night Cradles' will be provided by the Residential Services Department. The Alerters are placed in the unit overnight and when the fire alarm is activated it switches on the units vibrating pillow pad, placed under the mattress. This initiative is a clear indication of how highly the university values student safety.
The University's Student Enabling Centre, part of the Student Services Gateway - a 'one-stop' centre where students can get advice and support on anything from financial problems to facilities for the disabled - is co-ordinating Alerter distribution and will provide instruction and guidance to students who need the Deaf Alerter system.
Cindy Williams-Findlay, who heads the Enabling Centre, is delighted with the extension of the initiative and said: "This increased investment in Deaf Alerter means that virtually every building on each of the University's campuses is covered by the system, bringing yet more peace of mind to our many Deaf students. All campus receptions will also be issued with Alerters for Deaf visitors.
"I would like to thank Deaf Alerter plc for their support with this initiative and also the Property Services division of the Facilities Department for sharing in the vision of wider access and safety for Deaf students; and for the planning and implementation of such a valuable and rewarding project."
Martyn Coldicott, Technical Director of Deaf Alerter plc, is similarly upbeat about the collaboration with the University and commented: "As the Disability Discrimination Act suggests, with 'reasonable adjustment', discrimination and barriers preventing equal access can be removed to achieve inclusion for all, something the University of Wolverhampton has worked so hard to facilitate".
"We welcome the initiative that the University of Wolverhampton has taken in making their campus a safe environment by installing a fire alarm warning system for Deaf people and students." said Jonathan Isaac, Director of the UK Council on Deafness who are the national umbrella organisation for charities and professional bodies working in the field of deafness. "This is an excellent example of good practice towards safety and access rights."
The University of Wolverhampton is at the forefront of pioneering work in Deaf issues. It offered the UK's first undergraduate degree in Interpreting for British Sign Language and now provides an unrivalled selection of courses for Deaf students and those concerned with Deaf education issues
